mineral

Quartz with Oxides

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, white, and orange-red from iron oxide staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale
Color: Tan, white, and orange-red from iron oxide staining
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified June 28, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7 on Mohs scale; Color: Tan, white, and orange-red from iron oxide staining; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Trigonal/Hexagonal; Cleavage: None/Conchoidal fracture.

Formation & geological history

Formed via hydrothermal activity where silica-rich fluids cooled in veins or cavities. Orange colors are due to secondary iron-rich mineral inclusions or staining. Found in a wide variety of igneous and metamorphic environments.

Uses & applications

Used as a gemstone (vuggy/druzy quartz), in electronics for its piezoelectric properties, in glassmaking, and as common collector specimens.

Geological facts

Quartz is the second most abundant mineral in Earth's continental crust. Its name comes from the German word 'quarz', which has roots in Slavic meaning 'hard'.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its high hardness (cannot be scratched by a steel knife) and lack of cleavage. Common in riverbeds and mountainous terrain. Look for the crystalline 'druzy' texture in the vugs of the rock.